Name: Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

Sweet memories often spark around my favorite frosted sugar cookie bars that combine childhood nostalgia with modern baking magic.

sugar crystals sparkle against a soft, buttery canvas creating an irresistible treat.

Soft edges and creamy frosting invite you to savor each delectable bite.

Classic comfort meets contemporary charm in this simple yet stunning dessert.

Mixing bowls and whisks become your trusted companions for crafting these delightful squares.

Kitchen adventures await with a recipe promising pure, sugary bliss.

Prepare to fall in love with these melt-in-your-mouth bars that celebrate sweetness in every single crumb.

Customize with Ease: Personalize these sugar cookie bars with different sprinkle colors or extract flavors to match any celebration or mood.
Quick Family Dessert: Perfect for busy parents wanting to create a delightful treat that kids will absolutely love without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These soft, sweet bars deliver classic bakery-style satisfaction that appeals to all ages, making them ideal for potlucks, school events, or family gatherings.
Simple Baking Adventure: Beginner bakers can confidently create these bars with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, guaranteeing a successful dessert every single time.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the sugar cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a tender crumb.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a soft, moist texture in the cookie bars.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bars' richness.

Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, soft texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provide depth and aromatic sweetness to the cookie bars.
Powdered Sugar, Milk: Create a smooth, creamy frosting that tops the bars.
Sprinkles: Optional decorative element that adds color and festive touch to the dessert.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and set the temperature to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in vanilla and almond extracts, blending until smooth.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

The texture should be slightly sticky but not wet.

Step 5: Spread the Dough

Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula or clean hands to press and spread the dough evenly across the entire surface, creating a smooth, uniform layer.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for edges that are lightly golden and a center that’s set but still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together:

Powdered sugar
Softened butter
Vanilla extract
Milk or cream

Blend until the frosting is smooth, glossy, and spreadable. Add more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting in an even layer across the top. For extra fun, sprinkle colorful rainbow or seasonal sprinkles over the frosting.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut the frosted bars into squares. Serve and enjoy these delightful, soft sugar cookie bars at room temperature.

Swap vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract to create unique flavor variations that'll surprise your taste buds.
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and a perfectly textured cookie bar.
Add cream cheese to the frosting for extra richness and a tangy flavor that complements the sweet base.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain clean, crisp edges.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and quick cleanup of your delicious bars.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring xanthan gum is included for proper texture.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use almond milk in frosting instead of regular milk.
Chocolate Chip Edition: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before baking for extra richness and flavor.
Lemon Zest Remix: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy profile.

Sweet Party Platter: Arrange bars on a decorative tray with colorful sprinkles scattered around for a festive dessert table centerpiece.
Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair these bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces for elegant serving.
Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in individual wrapped portions for a portable dessert that travels well and brings smiles to outdoor gatherings.
Kids' Dessert Station: Create a fun DIY decorating area where children can add extra sprinkles or creative toppings to their sugar cookie bars.

Refrigerate frosted sugar cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the beautiful frosting design.
Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months for longer storage.

FAQs

Can I make these sugar cookie bars without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a whisk and strong arm muscles to cream butter and sugar, though the texture might be slightly less fluffy compared to using an electric mixer.

How thick should the bars be when spreading in the pan?

Aim for an even layer about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, which ensures soft, chewy bars with a consistent texture throughout.

Are these sugar cookie bars good for kids' parties?

Absolutely! They’re colorful, sweet, and easy to serve, making them perfect for birthday parties, school events, or family gatherings where children are present.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate additional salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.

John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.